Wokingham Borough libraries is kicking off its events for this year’s National Bookstart Week with rhymetime at Dinton Pastures Park on 12 June, from 10am to noon.
This year’s theme is exploring outdoors. Children who attend any of the storytime and rhymetime events during the week will receive a free copy of the picture book ‘Everybunny Dance’ by Ellie Sandall.
National Bookstart Week, celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, seeks to remind families of the importance of reading for pleasure – even for just ten minutes a day.
There will be two rhymetimes at the Dinton event on the 12th, at 10.30 and 11.30am, as well as activities and information from family workers. The early year’s team will be promoting its Ready for School, Ready for Life programme, plus stands from the community wardens, and charities Home-Start and First Days. Local authors Tina Stubbs and Layn Marlow will be reading extracts from their books.
Bookstart storytimes, with outdoor-themed tales and craft activities, are due to take place at:
- Spencers Wood Library, 5 June from 4 to 4.30pm
- Wargrave Library, 5 June from 4 to 4.30pm
- Wokingham Library, 6 June from 4 to 4.30pm
- Winnersh Library, 7 June from 4 to 4.30pm
- Woodley Library, 10 June from 11 to 11.30am
- Lower Earley Library, 12 June from 11.15 to 11.45am
- Maiden Erlegh Library, 17 June from 10.15 to 10.45am
- Arborfield Pop-up Library, 12 June from 4 to 4.30pm
- Twyford Library, 20 June from 4 to 4.30pm
- Finchampstead Library, 7 July from 11 to 11.30am
Wokingham Borough libraries and children’s centres are also holding a Bookstart Bear Hunt, from 5 June to 3 September. Bears will be hiding in borough libraries, children’s centres and country parks for children to find.
“During National Bookstart Week we'll be encouraging parents and children to read together daily,” said Mark Redfearn, service manager for libraries and community services.
“Our events, activities and resources will hopefully help families see the benefits of regularly reading together, as well as something fun and enjoyable to do. Our borough libraries offer an array of amazing books, e-books, story and rhyme sessions and much more. They are always open to everyone.”
Under-fives library officer, Claire Groves, said: “We’re calling for all parents and carers across the Wokingham Borough to support the love of books and share the magic of stories.”
If families cannot attend one of the events they can join in the fun at home via the Bookstart website.
